I wake up sometime later, as Kate and Yelena are chatting. I don't move, hoping to fall back asleep, but then I overhear what they're talking about.
"Yelena, I wanted to apologize."
"Why would you apologize to me? Apologize to her," Yelena's voice is slightly forced.
"I did, when it happened. I just- I want you to know I'm not disregarding your feelings. I won't do it again if it bothers you." Kate's words spill out rushed, but sounding prepared.
"It doesn't bother me, I don't care," Yelena insists.
"You're ridiculous. You have a problem any time she expresses interest in anyone but you! You have feelings for her!" Kate's voice pitches up slightly. Wait. Kate thinks Yelena's upset because she's into me, not her. This is hilarious.
"You are aware she is less than three feet from us?" Yelena sounds annoyed, but she still doesn't admit any feelings for either of us.
"She's sleeping." I can practically hear Kate's eyes rolling. "Admit it, Yelena." I feel my heart rate spike in anticipation.
"No. I don't have feelings for anyone. Not the kind you mean," Yelena stands her ground, and I feel like someone punched me in the gut. After a moment of silence, she adds softly, "I can't feel like that."
"Well clearly her having feelings like that is hurting you," Kate points out, and then Yelena turns her music up, effectively terminating the conversation. I wait a few minutes before I pretend to wake up, and when I do, the tension is a little frigid between them. I turn to look at Kate who's sitting in the middle of the backseat, and reach an arm over to tap her arm.
"Hey, Katie Kat."
"Ew, you've gotta retire that," she makes a face at me, and I chuckle. Her scrunched up nose is so cute. I scrunch my face back at her and look around,pretending to think it over.
"Only if you play with my hair," I request, and she rolls her eyes.
"Fine, lift your seat up some so I can get my legs under there." I oblige and she scoots over so that my head is essentially in her lap. She starts running her fingers through my hair, and I close my eyes. After a minute, I chance a peek at Yelena, who's scowling in the rearview mirror. Not bothered my ass. But, Yelena isn't into romance. And Kate is. So I'll continue flirting with her.
"Can I call you 'Katie' still?" I ask, looking up at her.
"Only if we're dating," she jokes, then "I don't mind, just do not add 'Kat'."
"Hey, Lena! Now I have nicknames for both of you!" I say, smiling at Yelena, sickly sweet.
"Kate's is longer than her normal nickname." Yelena deadpans, unamused.
"But it's cute! Like yours!" I insist.
"I do like 'Lena'," Kate backs me up.
"That is only for y/n," Yelena quickly tells her, and the air feels tense again. I look at Kate apologetically and close my eyes again while she continues to comb my hair with her fingers. Damn, this is relaxing.
"Katie?" I sing-song. "You have magic hands."
"I was about to ask you if I could be done," she giggles. "But I'm pretty sure that means no." She scratches lightly and I find myself leaning into her touch. Before I know it, I'm back asleep. When Yelena stops again so I can drive, I'm feeling well rested, but there is an awful crick in my neck from sleeping in the car.
"I'm going to sit in the back so I can lay across the seat," Yelena informs us when we're walking back to the car from our respective leg stretching jaunts.
"Guess I'm up front now!" Kate exclaims as she lets Lucky back into the hatchback. When we're all set to go,Yelena falls asleep in record time. I'm honestly jealous. I have to remind myself not to look in the rearview for too long, she just looks so peaceful and pretty. Eventually, Kate's boredom gets to her, and she starts trying to get me to play I-Spy.
"Fine. I-spy something annoying," I tease, "Seriously how much sleep have you gotten, an hour? Take a nap."
"I don't want you to get tired!" she protests.
"You're cute," I smirk. "But I'm fine. Get some sleep." I instruct her, and she looks back at Yelena quickly, confirming she's still asleep before answering.
"Why do you do that?" She asks me seriously.
"What? Flirt with you?" When she doesn't answer I continue. "I've told you, I think you're attractive."
"You can't tell me you're not into Yelena though," she presses.
"Yelena is not interested in romantic relationships. It doesn't matter either way," I shrug, keeping my eyes on the road.
"She said that to you?" Kate asks.
"She's always said that," I state. "I, on the other hand, am interested. In you."
"Are you? Or are you just retaliating because she won't admit she has feelings?" Kate accuses.
"I am genuinely interested in you," I assure her, only slightly offended by the accusation. "I can't be into more than one person?"
"No, I mean, yes, you can, it's just. I don't know."
"Are you not interested in me? Because the kissing thing really sent the opposite message," I tease her.
"It's not that! I know she has feelings for you. I can see it. And I don't want her to get hurt," she admits. I scoff.
"Let's get one thing straight. If Yelena actually wants a romantic relationship, she wants it with you, not me." As soon as it's out of my mouth, Kate sputters incredulously.
"Is that a joke? Tell me that's a joke," she commands, and I just shake my head. "You think she likes me? You're insane."
"Look at you. Who wouldn't?" I ask, and I know she's blushing, because she doesn't answer for a minute. When she finally does, she just says thanks and turns the music up. We seem to have ourselves a real predicament here. After a few songs, I hear some rustling around in the back seat, and glance back to see Fanny licking Yelena's face. She hates that. Suddenly, she shoots up, grumbling.
"Y/n, take the next exit. I cannot sleep in this car." When she says it, my face blanches. Was she awake the whole time?
"Ok," I mutter, and follow instructions.
